Authorities in Lafon County, Eastern Equatoria State, say they are investigating the killing of seven peace representatives along Lacharok road at the weekend.
The victims were returning from a peace conference organized by Norwegian Church Aid in Dorek Payam- when they fell in an ambush on Saturday morning, said Magisto Ukuch, county commissioner.
The victims have been identified as Orobuk Marco, Lolia James, Palmine Amugo, Lomuda Ludyok, James Lawrence, Lobere Aldino, and Lino Adiza.
The peace dialogue was organized for the two communities of Tennet and Lacharok who had for so long been engaged in intercommunal conflict.
Ukuch suspects the perpetrators to be youth of Lacharok village because the incident happened within their village.
“Eight people were shot; seven of them died on the spot and one of them sustained series injuries. He is not from Ternet. That’s why he was not killed. He was only ordered to go back,” he told Singaita FM on Monday.
“At the moment, the authorities have not apprehended anyone in connection to the killing incident, but investigation is ongoing.”
He appealed to the communities to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner rather than revenge killing, saying “This issue of revenge attack will not really take us anywhere.”
He added his office and the State government are working hard to bring stability among conflicting communities.